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Lantz releases tax platform

Posted|April 20, 2015

April 20, 2015 (MONTAGUE) – Progressive Conservative Party Leader Rob Lantz today released his party’s tax platform at a news conference in Montague.

Lantz observed that the current government’s punitive tax policies have placed an added burden on Island families, students, seniors and charities. This increased tax burden has reduced disposable income and is an obstacle to economic growth.

Lantz detailed a series of tax measures to help support Island charities, give tax relief to Island families and spur economic growth. Chief among them is a rebate of the HST on electricity for primary residential customers.

Quick Facts:

• Lantz released his party’s tax platform today at a news conference in Montague.

• Lantz noted that punitive tax measures by the current government have placed an added burden on Island families, students, seniors and charities.

• Highlights of the platform include: - Rebate the provincial portion of the HST on residential electricity - Raise the HST rebate for Island charities to 50 per cent from the current 35 per cent level - Eliminate the requirement for automobile inspections on vehicles newer than three years - Introduce a Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, modeled on the current federal tax credit

“Punitive tax policies by the current government are hurting Islanders and stifling economic growth. Islanders need a new direction for tax fairness. Rebating the HST on residential electricity will leave more money in the hands of Island families to spend and invest, helping grow our economy.”
- Progressive Conservative Leader Rob Lantz.

Tax Platform Backgrounder

HST rebate on residential electricity - A Rob Lantz Government will rebate the HST on residential electricity.

The introduction of the HST nearly tripled the taxes that Islanders pay on electricity. This has placed a heavy burden on Island families, seniors, and students.

Rebating the HST on residential electricity for primary residences will generate an average annual savings for Island homeowners of approximately $140. Those savings increase for homeowners who use electric heat.

HST rebate for Island charities - A Rob Lantz Government will increase the HST rebate level for Island charities to 50 per cent from the current level of 35 per cent.

Currently, Prince Edward Island has the lowest rebate level for charities in the country at 35 per cent. The other Atlantic provinces currently allow a rebate of 50 per cent. This change will bring Prince Edward in line with the rebate levels offered regionally.

Automobile inspections - A Rob Lantz Government will eliminate the requirement for annual motor vehicle inspections for vehicles newer than three years.

Approximately one in five vehicles on Prince Edward Island are newer than three years old.

Children’s Fitness Tax Credit - A Rob Lantz Government will introduce a Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, modeled off of the current federal tax credit.

This measure will help encourage increased physical activity which can have long-term benefits for personal health and reduce long-term costs to the health system.

Adding a modest companion to the existing federal tax credit will also simplify administration for families who utilize the existing federal tax credit and provide a further incentive for active lifestyles.